Tattoo Aftercare Instructions – Soaker Pad Wrap

1. Leave the soaker pad on for 3–4 hours.
   It’s designed to absorb plasma, excess ink, and a bit of blood. Don’t leave it on longer than 5 hours, as it can dry and stick to the skin.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.
   Always use warm water and antibacterial soap before handling or cleaning your tattoo.
3. Remove the pad carefully.
   Peel it off slowly and gently. If it sticks, wet the pad with warm water to loosen the adhesive — never rip it off dry.
4. Rinse the tattoo with warm water.
   Use your clean hands (not a washcloth or sponge) and mild, fragrance-free soap like
5. Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented or Dial Gold.
   Avoid hot water—it can irritate the area.
6. Pat the tattoo dry.
   Use a clean paper towel or soft lint-free cloth. Dab gently—don’t rub.
7. Let it breathe for 30–60 minutes.
   Allow the tattoo to air out before applying any ointment or lotion. This helps the surface layer close and reduces excess weeping.
8. Apply a thin layer of ointment.
   Use a tattoo-specific ointment like Aquaphor, Redemption, or Hustle Butter.
   Apply only a sheen, not a layer—it should look slightly glossy, not greasy.
9. Reapply ointment 2–3 times daily for the first 3 days.
   Always wash your hands before applying. If the tattoo feels dry or tight, a small amount is fine—but avoid smothering it.
10. Switch to unscented lotion on day 4.
    Once the initial healing phase ends, use an unscented lotion (like Lubriderm or Aveeno Daily Moisturizing) as needed to prevent flaking and itching.
11. Do NOT rewrap the tattoo.
    The soaker pad is a one-time wrap. Once it’s off, keep the tattoo open to air. Covering it again can trap moisture and bacteria.
12. Avoid submerging in water for 2 weeks.
    Showers are fine; baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, and saunas are not. Waterlogging can soften the scab and pull out ink.
13. Avoid direct sunlight for at least 3 weeks.
    Keep your tattoo covered outdoors. UV rays will damage healing skin and fade pigment fast.
14. Wear loose, clean clothing.
    Avoid tight fabrics that rub against the tattoo. Choose breathable cotton while it heals.
15. Expect peeling and mild itching around days 4–10.
    That’s normal. Do not pick or scratch. Let flakes fall off naturally.
16. Long-term care (after 3 weeks):
    Continue moisturizing daily. Once fully healed, use SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect the tattoo and maintain color.

Tattoo Aftercare Instructions – Saniderm / Second-Skin Wrap

1. Leave the first Saniderm bandage on for 24 hours.
   It’s normal for plasma, ink, and a little blood to collect underneath. The film keeps the area sterile and helps reduce scabbing.
2. If the bandage leaks or fills excessively before 24 hours, remove it early.
   Replace it with a new Saniderm layer after cleaning the tattoo (see steps 4–6). Trapped fluid can compromise healing if left too long.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo or bandage.
   Always treat your healing tattoo like an open wound—clean hands only.
4. To remove Saniderm, gently peel it off under warm running water.
   Pull slowly, stretching the film along your skin rather than straight up. This minimizes irritation and avoids tearing fresh skin.
5. Clean the tattoo immediately after removing the bandage.
   Use warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap (e.g., Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented, Dial Gold).
   Do not scrub—just use your fingertips.
6. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or lint-free cloth.
   Never use a bath towel; it can harbor bacteria or snag flaking skin.
7. Apply a new piece of Saniderm if desired.
   Cut it larger than the tattoo by at least one inch on all sides, and apply it to clean, dry skin.
   Smooth it down gently to eliminate wrinkles and air bubbles.
8. Keep the second bandage on for 3–5 days.
   You can shower normally but avoid soaking it (no baths, swimming, or saunas).
   Replace it sooner if it peels up, leaks, or causes irritation.
9. After removing the final bandage, clean the tattoo again.
   Wash it gently, pat dry, and allow it to breathe for 30–60 minutes before moisturizing.
10. Switch to a fragrance-free lotion once the skin feels tight or dry.
    Use something like Lubriderm, Eucerin, or Aveeno.
    Apply a light layer 2–3 times daily—never over-moisturize.
11. Do NOT re-bandage after Saniderm.
    Once the final film is off, your tattoo should remain uncovered to finish healing naturally.
12. Avoid direct sunlight and submersion for 2 weeks.
    Fresh tattoos are vulnerable to UV damage and bacteria from water.
    After it’s healed, always use SPF 30+ on your tattoo.
13. Expect mild peeling or flaking between days 5–10.
    That’s normal healing. Don’t pick, scratch, or peel the film or skin.
14. Wear clean, loose clothing over the tattoo while it heals.
    Friction and trapped sweat can irritate the area.
15. Long-term care (after 3 weeks):
    Continue moisturizing daily and apply sunscreen anytime the tattoo is exposed. Proper care keeps your colors rich and your linework crisp.